We use a similar idea to a formative assessment, we call it a skill development, it is a chance for us to see if the learner has grasped the idea and competently carry out the task, There is still an element of tutor participation if the learner gets stuck as well as demonstrating correct procedures  

I think strategic questioning would be a good approach for me to use further as it can be done on the fly during practical tasks, asking why a component does what it does is so much broader than how it works, or if has faulted then why/what caused it? It helps them to become better techs 

The two other examples of formative assessment I thought could be most helpful would be a background knowledge probe to uncover any misconceptions they have and what could be improved on, asking them to clarify the "muddiest point" would also be helpful in a smaller group where peer pressure might be such of an issue 

Some students are skeptical of the value of formative assessments. How can you help students to see their value? How do we encourage students to take formative assessment seriously, particularly when they have high value assessments due in other courses? 

Let students know that it is useful to see how they are tracking, one factor that is an external motivator is our apprentices have paid to do the course, if they know they need to understand the material in order to move forward, understanding is also directly beneficial as they can apply it instantly in the workplace (being apprentices in full time employment) making the a better tech and making the work